Things To Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you are a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities for you to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With nine state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there is no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana.
Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks, at many of our Louisiana state parks.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's museums. There are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place.
Find your Louisiana with these events happening around the state this weekend. Check out a full list of this weekend's events and plan your visit today!
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival
March 20-24
New Orleans
Love the literature and luxury of the Jazz Age? Look no further than the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, a five-day event held in the French Quarter. This world-famous festival offers everything from poetry readings to panel discussions, theatre performances and drag brunches. Don’t miss the beloved Stella Shouting Contest, a competition to see who can best yell one of the most famous lines from A Streetcar Named Desire.
Every literature-themed weekend deserves a bookstore trail. Start with the Garden District Book Shop, which is tucked into a former roller rink, before visiting Tubby & Coo’s and Baldwin & Co.
Annual World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-off
March 23
Eunice
Smoky, nutty roux and umami-rich onion lend depth to silky étouffée — and we’re here for it. At the Annual World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-off, eat as much of this Creole dish as you desire — but don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
If étouffée isn’t enough, swing by Bayou Teche Brewing in nearby Arnaudville. Enjoy craft beer, premium cocktails and wood-fired pizza from one of the most Cajun breweries down South.
Learn more about St. Landry Parish.
Bossier City Makers Fair
March 23
Bossier City
From stunning stained glass and scented soaps to pottery and baked treats, there’s plenty to explore at the Bossier City Makers Fair. Find one-of-a-kind creations as you browse the 125-plus artisan and maker booths, listen to live music and nom on delicious bites. Kids will love the bouncy house, bubbles, games and more.
If you’re looking for an evening of family fun, roll up to Hot Wheels Skating Palace for a few turns around the rink. The snack bar is well-stocked with pizza, nachos and other concession stand goodies. Or sample late-night southern cooking, like hushpuppies, coleslaw and fried shrimp at Captain La Fish & Chicken.
Cane River Film Festival
March 23
Natchitoches
Created with the mission to preserve Cane River Creole heritage, the Cane River Film Festival showcases independent films telling Louisiana stories. The main event is free and open to the public. Catch screenings of winning films like, “Death by a King Cake” and “The Space Between,” see the award ceremony and participate in a Q&A session with the film directors.
Cinema fans may also know Natchitoches as the filming location for the 1989 hit “Steel Magnolias.” Take a self-guided tour to see Clairee’s home, where Shelby was wed, and many more sites. As you follow the film trail, stop by the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery to see their aquarium exhibits or grab a meal at local eateries, like Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant or Crawfish Hole.
Plan a visit to Natchitoches Parish.
Louisiana Red Beans & Rice Heritage and Music Festival
March 23
Baton Rouge
Celebrate one of the culinary traditions of the Bayou State at the Louisiana Red Beans & Rice Heritage and Music Festival. Cheer on your favorite chef or cooking team as they compete to prepare the best dish and win the prize. Afterward, enjoy a mixed music lineup of local bands playing R&B, zydeco, rock and more. Plus, there will be plenty of southern goodies to sample, from pecan candies to crispy fried chicken.
On Sunday, visit the Burden Museum & Gardens where you can venture through time to experience the cultures of 18th and 19th century Louisiana. You can also trek the wood trails, see vibrant flowers in the botanic gardens or stroll the lakeside path at the Windrush garden. Then, relax and savor sudsy sips, from Gose-style ales to tropical APAs and hazy IPAs at Tin Roof Brewing Company.
Melrose Easter Eggstravaganza
March 23
Melrose
Take a scenic drive with the kiddies to the Melrose Easter Eggstravaganza. They’ll love chowing down on a pancake breakfast as they sit with the Easter Bunny. Then, kids can scour every nook and cranny for brightly colored treasure during the egg hunt. If that’s not enough, you can also take part in a cake walk, face painting, crafts and games. Plus, you can sign up to tour the stunning and historic Melrose on the Cane mansion.
Enjoy the serenity of this rural community — especially in spring — with an afternoon paddle down the Cane River. You can put in further up the river at the Shell Beach Ramp or launch on Lake Sibley in nearby Natchitoches. Or discover the history behind Oakland Plantation and the stories of the people who lived and worked there at the Cane River Creole National Historical Park.
Plan a visit to Natchitoches Parish.
Spring Wine Walk on the Wetland Trace
March 23
Jean Lafitte
Indulge in a delightful springtime experience at the Jean Lafitte Wine Walk on the Wetland Trace. Take a leisurely stroll along the Wetland Trace in Jean Lafitte, and savor a variety of selected wines. This scenic event promises an unforgettable afternoon of wine tasting amidst the natural beauty of Jefferson Parish.
While in Jefferson Parish, continue the outdoor exploration with Airboat Adventures and get up close and personal with Louisiana's swamps! After a day of exploring, grab a dozen oysters (or two!) along the Louisiana Oyster Trail.
The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum Easter Village
March 23-30
Monroe
Find sunshine yellow and pastel pinks at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum Easter Village. Your little one won’t forget the joy of icing cookies, visiting a live bunny patch, witnessing a giant chocolate bunny or competing in a Louisiana-fied version of the famous White House egg roll.
After Easter fun, venture to the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Marvel at more than 100 different animal species, feed tortoises and take a safari-themed boat ride. Young children will enjoy the petting zoo and playgrounds, too.
Tunica Hills Music Fest and Jam
March 23
Saint Francisville
Ready your instrument as the Tunica Hills Music Fest and Jam takes over downtown Saint Francisville. Listen to music from more than 30 bands and artists across three stages. Plus, there will be jam sessions for audience members of any skill level to join in. If you get hungry or thirsty, pop over to one of the on-site vendors for refreshments.
In between jams, explore the town and step into some of the boutique shops. Find incredible works of art to take home at The Harrington Gallery, Inc., stop by the 1890s general store District Mercantile or sample locally popular milkshakes and floats at Away Down South.
Explore West Feliciana Parish.
21 Beautiful State Parks & Preserves
Statewide
Louisiana is home to 21 beautiful state parks filled to the brim with fun family experiences. As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, consider the state’s exciting hiking, biking and paddle trails. Or book a getaway at one of our lovely cabins!
Make Plans for Louisiana This Weekend
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.